Spurs’ Duncan opts in, but future remains unclear

Spurs captain Tim Duncan has decided to opt into his contract for the 2016-17 season that will pay him $5.6 million, a league source confirmed Tuesday.

But the source also emphasized that exercising his player option does not necessarily mean the future Hall of Famer will return for his 20th season. Retirement remains an option for the greatest player in franchise history.

Duncan is said to be pondering the pros and cons of closing the book on a remarkable career, including what life would be like without the camaraderie of the locker room, something those close to him say he holds dear.

On the other hand, more time with his two young children would definitely be a plus for Duncan, 40.

Still, signs have emerged that Duncan could be leaning toward coming back. His decision to exercise his player option comes just days before he reportedly will aid Spurs coach Gregg Popovich in recruiting marquee free agent Kevin Durant.

Before leading Oklahoma City to a six-game win over the Spurs in the second round of the playoffs last season, Durant made it clear that his respect for Duncan is off the charts.

“I mean, he’s out there rebounding, blocking shots, being a vocal leader, being the guy who has the most experience,” Durant said of Duncan. “I’m not surprised (he is still playing) because of the character of the person.”

A five-time NBA champion and the cornerstone of what is widely regarded as one of the top franchises in professional sports, Duncan is coming off a season in which he recorded career lows in points (8.6), rebounds (7.3) and blocks (1.3).

Spurs’ Duncan opts in, but future remains unclear

1of6Spurs’ Tim Duncan pauses during first half action of Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2016 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.Photo: Edward A. Ornelas /San Antonio Express-News

2of6Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant and the Spurs’ Tim Duncan hug after Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals on May 12, 2016 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.Photo: Edward A. Ornelas /San Antonio Express-News

3of6San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan puts his hands on his head during second half action of Game 5 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday May 10, 2016 at the AT&T Center. The Thunder won 95-91.Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

4of6San Antonio Spurs' LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan, and Danny Green walk off the court after Game 5 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday May 10, 2016 at the AT&T Center. The Thunder won 95-91.Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

5of6San Antonio Spurs' LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan, and Danny Green, and Kawhi Leonard walk off the court after Game 5 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday May 10, 2016 at the AT&T Center. The Thunder won 95-91.Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

6of6San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker (from left), Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan stand during the national anthem before Game 5 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday May 10, 2016 at the AT&T Center.Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

Still, he upheld his reputation as one of the league’s top rim protectors for a team that won a franchise-record 67 wins.

“Tim Duncan could play until he’s 90,” Durant said. “It’s not about him scoring 20 and getting 10 rebounds, it’s just his presence. That’s something you could have predicted 20 years ago. His presence will always be felt.”

Duncan also continued to thrive as the leader, a fact Popovich stressed during the team’s second-round playoff matchup with the Thunder.

“What he still gives us is a base from which to operate,” Popovich said. “He’s a tremendous leader. He has a great passion for the game. He’s one of the best teammates you can imagine. He’s smart enough to try and do fundamental things, like rebound, block shots, change shots whenever he can, be in the right place on the court, help teammates understand what’s going on.

“… He’s just not going to score the way he used to score. Everything else, he tries to do it as well as he possibly can. It’s still very effective and still very important to our success.”

More Information

Spurs key dates

Today: Deadline for Duncan ($5.64 million) to opt in to the final season of his contract.

Thursday: Full value of Boris Diaw’s $7 million becomes guaranteed. The Spurs owe him only $3 million if waived by this date.

After three years as a part-time employee covering mainly high school sports, Tom Orsborn became a full-time employee at the Express-News in October 1985. He's covered the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL since 1999 and has also covered the Spurs, the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, and a variety of other events, including 14 Super Bowls.